Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier: "It Took Me Three Months to Build My Bankroll"
There is not going to be a new book nor any coaching role in Team PokerStars Pro Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier's near future. While Eureka Poker Tour was busy enjoying its record-breaking field of 1,432 players, ElkY took over the PokerStars Twitter account and joined his fans for a Q&A session about both his personal and poker life.
With countless titles won, over $10 million in live tournament earnings, a well-known love for prop bets, and a personality that made him become one of poker’s most recognized players, ElkY sat at the computer for an hour and tried to respond to as many followers as he could, giving away precious poker strategy tips and bits of his personal life — all in 140 characters or less.
Besides denying plans to write a sequel of his first tournament strategy book, The Raiser’s Edge, and explaining the importance of meditation and discipline to build a solid, successful poker career, Grospellier expressed some interesting thoughts about heads-up displays (HUDs) and ways for players to improve their game.
PokerNews Spain’s Antonio Martín went through all the tweets that were sent to Grospellier using the special #AskElkY hashtag to offer you a selection of the most interesting ones.
What is your best advice for an aspiring poker pro? — @Kappie_WP
Grospellier: If you want to become pro, make sure you are IN LOVE with the game of poker! Then everything will fit together!
How long and how many deposits did it take you after your first one to make a decent and stable bankroll? — @Kappie_WP
It took me about three months and a few deposits, but I was definitely not disciplined enough at the time.
What would you say was the biggest influencing factor in becoming disciplined or maintaining a certain level of discipline? — @Kappie_WP
At first it was purely a hobby and then poker became my life, so being disciplined was a main requirement!
What kind of bankroll do you need to start playing live poker for a year or as a job? — @Glennvdp
It all depends how much you need to earn for your lifestyle. You just need not to have financial pressure to be a pro.
Is it really necessary to read books to become a poker pro? If so, which one do you prefer? — @BuismanBerry
It is probably not necessary, but I think it can always help. I love the trilogy Kill Phil, Kill Everyone, Raiser's Edge.
Are you planning on writing a new book? Do you have any plans on making coaching videos? — @OrejanoX
None of those is a project now, as it's too time consuming and I need to focus on my second EPT title win.
How can you improve yourself as poker player? I guess there is always something you can improve even if you are pro. --@Sami_Tuomaala
Of course you can always improve! Try to think outside the box and improve some non-technical skills as well.
Who are you learning from these days? — @jaworek1405
I try to learn from everyone I discuss poker with, which are mostly my Team PokerStars Pro teammates.
What is the secret behind your continuous deep runs? Do you have any advice for beginners? --javorek1405
There’s no secret: just focus, preparation, hard work and determination. A little bit of luck might help as well.
What is your favorite thing to do to prepare for a long live or online grind? — @Phrumpleton
Nowadays I love meditation before a long session, but most important is being well rested.
Do you ever tilt? And have you ever tilted away a lot of money? — @Ante_Eater
I used to tilt, for sure. Nowadays I don't, but I would be lying to myself if I think I never get frustrated.
What do you think is the difference that stopped you from tilting? — @Ante_Eater
Experience really helps. Take your time for decisions, and focus on being the best you can, all the time.
How do you refresh your mind after a heavy session of poker to wind down? — @javorek1405
I find that meditation can be very helpful, but otherwise anything you enjoy: Games, TV shows, whatever!
How do you handle being on a losing streak? — @EitBx
It can be really hard for sure, that’s why playing online in between to get a winning session and confidence back is good.
SNGs, MTTs or ring games: which one do you prefer and why? — @Kappie_WP
I love MTTs because it feels more like a competition, and the feeling when you win is incomparable. All are fun, though.
What would you choose between winning your second EPT Main Event or the Grand Slam (WCOOP, SCOOP, TCOOP & Sunday Million)? — @1Ceman85
If the Grand Slam is WCOOP and SCOOP Main Events, then it's close. Otherwise, I would go for the second EPT for sure!
If you could play only one offline poker series for the rest of your life, which one would it be? — @OtisOgle
The European Poker Tour!
Which pro would you never want to see sitting to your left? — @Proudy66
I really don't care very much, because if they outplay me that’s an opportunity to improve my game.
There is a lot of talk again about HUDs online and if they should be banned for offering an unfair advantage. What do you think about that? — @LostInPoker
I don't think it's unfair as anyone can learn how to use them. But if most players want them banned, then it’s OK.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years, poker-wise? — @Pradlanic
I was never one to plan in such a long term. Hopefully, still on top of the game, but we never know what life is going to bring.
Who dies your hair? — @Tim_Dwayne
I have my favorite hair salon in Paris, L'atelier de Donato.
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